Information recording apparatus, information recording method, and information recording medium in which information recording program is computer-readably recorded

ABSTRACT

According to the present invention, there is provided an information recording apparatus in which, even when it cannot previously determine that a recording signal with any attribute is inputted, recording information conformable to DVD video standards etc. which is recorded in an available optical disc can be prevented from being illegally copied with a simple and low-cost configuration. According to this, there is provided an information recording method including the processes of: detecting whether a recording signal to be inputted from the outside is a recording signal conformable to DVD video standards only for playback; detecting whether the recording signal includes an inhibition flag indicating that the recording signal is inhibited from being recorded as an analog signal; and, when it is detected that the recording signal conforms to the DVD video standards and that the recording signal includes the inhibition flag, inhibiting the signal from being recorded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] (i) Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a technical field regarding aninformation recording apparatus, an information recording method, and aninformation recording medium in which a program for recordinginformation is recorded so as to be readable through a computer. Moreparticularly, the invention relates to a technical field regarding aninformation recording apparatus in a personal computer, which is used asa data recorder for the personal computer, an information recordingmethod, and an information recording medium in which an informationrecording program for the information recording is recorded so as to bereadable through a computer including the personal computer.

[0003] (ii) Description of the Related Art

[0004] In recent years, in a field regarding an optical disc such as aDVD (Digital Versatile Disc), the trend toward higher recording densityis pronounced. Lately, an optical disc in which image information andspeech information as much as one movie are recorded is beingcommercially available. A data recorder for the optical disc can also beprovided for a personal computer.

[0005] The foregoing movie is generally protected by copyright. Copyingthe movie without asking a copyright holder for permission is prohibitedin principle with some exceptions. Accordingly, to prevent the illegalcopy, a general video recorder, which originally intends to record themovie in the optical disc, is constructed so that, for example, thepresence or absence of recording inhibition information embedded inrecording signals corresponding to the movie according to a so-calledelectronic watermark technique is detected to prevent the illegal copy.

[0006] On the other hand, the data recorder is different from thegeneral video recorder. The data recorder cannot previously determinethat any kind of data is inputted to the recorder and is then recorded.Consequently, it is general that the data recorder does not include aconfiguration for preventing the above-mentioned illegal copy.

[0007] On the other hand, recently, recording signals corresponding tothe movie can be copied through the personal computer. Accordingly, inthe foregoing data recorder, it is also necessary to have theconfiguration for preventing the illegal copy.

[0008] In the illegal copy preventing method by using theabove-mentioned electronic watermark technique, however, upon recordingin the optical disc, it is necessary to analyze the content of theinputted recording signal in detail and detect the presence or absenceof the recording inhibition information. When the data recorder includesthe configuration for the above purpose, the circuit scale of the datarecorder is increased.

[0009] In many cases, the recording signals for the movie are formed inconformity with so-called DVD video standards. According to the DVDvideo standards, the recording signals are subjected to a compressionprocessing according to a system such as MPEG (Moving Picture ExpertsGroup) system. Accordingly, the analyzing processing becomes morecomplicated, so that a circuit for analysis with a large scale isfurther needed.

[0010] Furthermore, in addition to the above circuit for analysis, acircuit for detecting the recording inhibition information from theanalyzed recording signal is also needed. The circuit scale of the datarecorder becomes larger as a whole.

[0011] As for the data recorder for the personal computer, it isnecessary to store the recorder into the housing of the personalcomputer. For this reason, the miniaturization of the data recorder isdesired. When the circuit scale is increased as mentioned above, theminiaturization cannot be realized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the present invention is made in consideration ofthe above-mentioned problems. It is an object of the present inventionto provide an information recording apparatus in which, even when theapparatus is an information recording apparatus which cannot previouslydetermine that a recording signal with any attribute is inputted, arecording signal conformable to DVD video standards which is recorded ina commercially available optical disc can be prevented from beingillegally copied with a simple and low-cost configuration, aninformation recording method, and an information recording medium inwhich an information recording program for the information recording isrecorded so as to be readable through a computer including a personalcomputer.

[0013] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording apparatus is provided with: a first detectingdevice such as an navigation pack detecting unit etc., for detectingwhether a recording signal to be inputted from the outside is arecording signal conformable to DVD video standards only for playback; asecond detecting device such as a flag detecting unit etc., fordetecting whether the recording signal includes an inhibition flagindicating that the recording signal is inhibited from being recorded asan analog signal; and an inhibiting device such as a CPU etc., for, whenit is detected that the recording signal conforms to the DVD videostandards and it is detected that the recording signal includes theinhibition flag, inhibiting the recording signal from being recorded inanother recording medium such as an optical disc etc.

[0014] Accordingly, when the recording signal conforms to the DVD videostandards and the recording signal includes the inhibition flag, therecording signal is inhibited from being recorded in the recordingmedium. Consequently, a recording signal conformable to the DVD videostandards, which is recorded in an available recording medium that isnot intended for home use, can be prevented from being illegally copiedwith the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0015] Therefore, even in the information recording apparatus whichcannot previously determine that a recording signal with any attributeis inputted, the recording signal conformable to the DVD video standardswhich is recorded in the available recording medium can be preventedfrom being illegally copied with the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0016] In one aspect of the apparatus of the present invention, when therecording signal includes a navigation pack conformable to the DVD videostandards, the first detecting device detects that the recording signalconforms to the DVD video standards.

[0017] Accordingly, whether the recording signal conforms to the DVDvideo standards is determined on the basis of whether the navigationpack conformable to the DVD video standards is detected. Consequently,the attribute of the recording signal can be simply and securelydetected.

[0018] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording apparatus is provided with: a first detectingdevice such as an navigation pack detecting unit etc., for detectingwhether a recording signal to be inputted from the outside is a torecording signal conformable to DVD audio standards only for playback; asecond detecting device such as a flag detecting unit etc., fordetecting whether the recording signal includes inhibition informationindicating that the recording signal is inhibited from being copied; andan inhibiting device such as a CPU etc., for, when it is detected thatthe recording signal conforms to the DVD audio standards and it isdetected that the recording signal includes the inhibition information,inhibiting the recording signal from being recorded in another recordingmedium such as an optical disc etc.

[0019] Accordingly, when the recording signal conforms to the DVD audiostandards and the recording signal includes the inhibition information,the recording signal is inhibited from being recorded in the recordingmedium. Consequently, a recording signal conformable to the DVD audiostandards, which is recorded in an available recording medium that isnot intended for home use, can be prevented from being illegally copiedwith the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0020] Therefore, even in the information recording apparatus whichcannot previously determine that a recording signal with any attributeis inputted, the recording signal conformable to the DVD audio standardswhich is recorded in the available recording medium can be preventedfrom being illegally copied with the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0021] In one aspect of the apparatus of the present invention, when therecording signal includes an audio pack conformable to the DVD audiostandards, the first detecting device detects that the recording signalconforms to the DVD audio standards.

[0022] Accordingly, whether the recording signal conforms to the DVDaudio standards is determined on the basis of whether the audio packconformable to the DVD audio standards is detected. Consequently, theattribute of the recording signal can be simply and securely detected.

[0023] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording method is provided with: a first detecting processof detecting whether a recording signal to be inputted from the outsideis a recording signal conformable to DVD video standards only forplayback; a second detecting process of detecting whether the recordingsignal includes an inhibition flag indicating that the recording signalis inhibited from being recorded as an analog signal; and an inhibitingprocess of, when it is detected that the recording signal conforms tothe DVD video standards and it is detected that the recording signalincludes the inhibition flag, inhibiting the recording signal from beingrecorded in another recording medium such as an optical disc etc.

[0024] Accordingly, when the recording signal conforms to the DVD videostandards and the recording signal includes the inhibition flag, therecording signal is inhibited from being recorded in the recordingmedium. Consequently, the recording signal conformable to the DVD videostandards, which is recorded in an available recording medium that isnot intended for home use, can be prevented from being illegally copiedwith the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0025] Therefore, even when information recording is executed in a statewhere it is not possible to previously determine that a recording signalwith any attribute is inputted, the recording signal conformable to theDVD video standards, which is recorded in the available recordingmedium, can be prevented from being illegally copied with the simple andlow-cost configuration.

[0026] In one aspect of the method of the present invention, in thefirst detecting process, when the recording signal includes a navigationpack conformable to the DVD video standards, it is detected that therecording signal conforms to the DVD video standards.

[0027] Accordingly, whether the recording signal conforms to the DVDvideo standards is determined on the basis of whether the navigationpack conformable to the DVD video standards is detected. Consequently,the attributes of the recording signal can be simply and securelydetected.

[0028] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording method is provided with: a first detecting processof detecting whether a recording signal to be inputted from the outsideis a recording signal conformable to DVD audio standards only forplayback; a second detecting process of detecting whether the recordingsignal includes inhibition information indicating that the recordingsignal is inhibited from being copied; and an inhibiting process of,when it is detected that the recording signal conforms to the DVD audiostandards and it is detected that the recording signal includes theinhibition information, inhibiting the recording signal from beingrecorded in another recording medium such as an optical disc etc.

[0029] Accordingly, when the recording signal conforms to the DVD audiostandards and the recording signal includes the inhibition information,the recording signal is inhibited from being recorded in the recordingmedium. Consequently, the recording signal conformable to the DVD audiostandards, which is recorded in an available recording medium that isnot intended for home use, can be prevented from being illegally copiedwith the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0030] Therefore, even when information recording is executed in a statewhere it is not possible to previously determine that a recording signalwith any attribute is inputted, the recording signal conformable to theDVD audio standards, which is recorded in the available recordingmedium, can be prevented from being illegally copied with the simple andlow-cost configuration.

[0031] In one aspect of the method of the present invention, in thefirst detecting process, when the recording signal includes an audiopack conformable to the DVD audio standards, it is detected that therecording signal conforms to the DVD audio standards.

[0032] Accordingly, whether the recording signal conforms to the DVDaudio standards is determined on the basis of whether the audio packconformable to the DVD audio standards is detected. Consequently, theattribute of the recording signal can be simply and securely detected.

[0033] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording medium in which a recording control program isrecorded so as to be readable through a computer which is included in aninformation recording apparatus for recording a recording signal to beinputted from the outside in another recording medium, the recordingcontrol program being characterized by allowing the computer to functionas: a first detecting device for detecting whether the recording signalis a recording signal conformable to DVD video standards only forplayback; a second detecting device for detecting whether the recordingsignal includes an inhibition flag indicating that the recording signalis inhibited from being recorded as an analog signal; and an inhibitingdevice for, when it is detected that the recording signal conforms tothe DVD video standards and it is detected that the recording signalincludes the inhibition flag, inhibiting the recording signal from beingrecorded in the recording medium such as an optical disc etc.

[0034] Accordingly, when the recording signal conforms to the DVD videostandards and the recording signal includes the inhibition flag, thecomputer functions so as to inhibit to record the recording signal inthe recording medium. Consequently, the recording signal conformable tothe DVD video standards, which is recorded in an available recordingmedium that is not intended for home use, can be prevented from beingillegally copied with the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0035] Therefore, even in the information recording apparatus whichcannot previously determine that a recording signal with any attributeis inputted, the recording signal conformable to the DVD videostandards, which is recorded in the available recording medium, can beprevented from being illegally copied with the simple and low-costconfiguration.

[0036] In one aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, when the recording signal includes a navigation packconformable to the DVD video standards, the recording control programallows the computer functioning as the first detecting device tofunction so as to detect that the recording signal conforms to the DVDvideo standards.

[0037] Accordingly, whether the recording signal conforms to the DVDvideo standards is determined on the basis of whether the navigationpack conformable to the DVD video standards is detected. Consequently,the attribute of the recording signal can be simply and securelydetected.

[0038] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation recording medium in which a recording control program isrecorded so as to be readable through a computer which is included in aninformation recording apparatus for recording a recording signal to beinputted from the outside in another recording medium, the recordingcontrol program being characterized by allowing the computer to functionas: a first detecting device for detecting whether the recording signalis a recording signal conformable to DVD audio standards only forplayback; a second detecting device for detecting whether the recordingsignal includes inhibition information indicating that the recordingsignal is inhibited from being copied; and an inhibiting device for,when it is detected that the recording signal conforms to the DVD audiostandards and it is detected that the recording signal includes theinhibition information, inhibiting the recording signal from beingrecorded in the recording medium such as an optical disc etc.

[0039] Accordingly, when the recording signal conforms to the DVD audiostandards and the recording signal includes the inhibition information,the recording signal is inhibited from being recorded in the recordingmedium. Consequently, the recording signal conformable to the DVD audiostandards, which is recorded in an available recording medium that isnot intended for home use, can be prevented from being illegally copiedwith the simple and low-cost configuration.

[0040] Therefore, even in the information recording apparatus whichcannot previously determine that a recording signal with any attributeis inputted, the recording signal conformable to the DVD audiostandards, which is recorded in the available recording medium, can beprevented from being illegally copied with the simple and low-costconfiguration.

[0041] In one aspect of the information recording medium of the presentinvention, when the recording signal includes an audio pack conformableto the DVD audio standards, the recording control program allows thecomputer functioning as the first detecting device to function so as todetect that the recording signal conforms to the DVD audio standards.

[0042] Accordingly, whether the recording signal conforms to the DVDaudio standards is determined on the basis of whether the audio packconformable to the DVD audio standards is detected. Consequently, theattribute of the recording signal can be simply and securely detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043]FIG. 1 is a diagram (I) showing a physical recording format in DVDvideo standards;

[0044]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a GOP in the DVDvideo standards;

[0045]FIG. 3 is a diagram (II) showing another physical recording formatin the DVD video standards;

[0046]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a logical format in the DVD videostandards;

[0047]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration ofan information recording apparatus according to an embodiment; and

[0048]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a recording processing according tothe embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be nowdescribed with reference to the drawings.

[0050] The present embodiment described hereinbelow relates to aninformation recording apparatus to which the present invention isapplied. The apparatus may receive recording information of movies basedon the DVD video standards as recording format standards for informationof movies in a DVD only for playback from the outside. The apparatusfunctions as a data recorder built in a personal computer.

[0051] (I) Embodiment of DVD Video Standards

[0052] Before the description of the specific embodiment of theinformation recording apparatus, the outline of the DVD video standardsto which recording information of movies conforms will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The recording information of movies maybe inputted to the information recording apparatus according to theembodiment.

[0053]FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 are diagrams each showing a physical recordingformat in the DVD video standards. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing theconfiguration of a GOP (Group Of Picture) in the DVD video standards.FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a logical format in the DVD video standards.

[0054] In the following description, the physical format in a statewhere recording information conformable to the DVD standards has beenrecorded in the DVD only for playback will be explained. When therecording information is inputted to the information recording apparatusaccording to the embodiment, the information is inputted whilemaintaining the following physical format.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, a DVD 1 in which recording information hasbeen recorded in conformity with the DVD video standards has a lead-inarea LI on the innermost portion thereof and a lead-out area LO on theoutermost portion thereof. Between the areas, picture information andspeech information are recorded so as to be divided into a plurality ofVTSs (Video Title Set) 3 (VTS #1 to VTS #n) each having an ID(identification) number.

[0056] In this instance, the VTS denotes a set (group) obtained bycollecting titles (such as movies each of which is a piece of work thata producer presents to an audience) related to each other (therespective titles have the same attributes such as the number ofincluded speech information and sub-picture information such assubtitles in movies, specification, and corresponding language). Morespecifically, for example, a plurality of movies having words ofdifferent languages regarding the same movie are recorded as differenttitles in some cases. Alternatively, a theatrical film and a specialfilm of the same movie are recorded as different titles in some cases.

[0057] Just before the area where the VTS 3 is recorded, a video manager2 is recorded. VMGI (Video Manager Information) as information which isrecorded as the video manager 2 includes, for example, a menu showingtitles, information for preventing illegal copy, an access table toaccess the titles, backup information for the above information, andinformation related to the whole of picture information and speechinformation recorded in the DVD 1.

[0058] Furthermore, between the video manager 2 and the lead-in area LI,volume information 4 for identifying the whole information recorded inthe DVD 1 and file system information 5 indicative of the fileconfiguration of data in the video manager 2 and the respective VTSs 3are recorded.

[0059] Subsequently, each VTS 3 comprises control data 11 at the headand the part thereof excluding the control data is recorded so as to bedivided into a plurality of VOBs 10 each having the ID number. In thisinstance, the part comprising the plurality of VOBs 10 is referred to aVOB set (VOBS). To distinguish the control data 11 as other dataconstructing the VTS 3 from the part comprising the plurality of VOBs 10serving as a substance of picture information and speech information,the substance portion is set to the VOB set.

[0060] In the control data 11 recorded at the head of the VTS 3,information such as PGCI (Program Chain Information) as variousinformation related to a program chain serving as a logic segmentobtained by combining a plurality of cells (the cells will be describedbelow), and backup information thereof are recorded as (Video Title SetInformation). In each VOB 10, in addition to control information, thesubstance portion of the picture information and speech information(picture and speech other than control information) is recorded.

[0061] Furthermore, each VOB 10 comprises a plurality of cells 20 eachhaving the ID number. In this instance, the VOB 10 is constructed so asto consist of the plurality of cells 20. Each cell 20 does not extendover two VOBs 10.

[0062] Subsequently, each cell 20 comprises a plurality of VOB units(VOBU) 30 each having the ID number. The VOB unit 30 denotes unitinformation including picture information, speech information, andsub-picture information.

[0063] Each VOB unit 30 comprises a navigation pack 41 in which controlinformation for controlling data included in the VOB unit 30 is stored,video data 42 as picture information, audio data 43 as speechinformation, and sub-picture data 44 as sub-picture information. Picturedata alone is recorded as the video data 42. Speech data alone 20 isrecorded as the audio data 43. As the sub-picture data 44, only graphicdata such as a character or graphic serving as a sub-picture isrecorded. Eight kinds of speech to be recordable to the DVD 1 and 32kinds of recordable sub-pictures are determined on the basis of thestandards.

[0064] Data is recorded so that reproduction time corresponding to eachVOB unit 30 (reproduction time corresponding to data recorded betweenthe present navigation pack 41 and the neighboring navigation pack 41)is equal to or longer than 0.4 second and is equal to or less than 1second. Accordingly, the navigation pack 41 is necessarily detected onceper 0.4 to 1 second upon reproduction.

[0065] Furthermore, the navigation pack 41 necessarily exists at thehead of the VOB unit 30. The video data 42, audio data 43, andsub-picture data 44 do not necessarily exist in the VOB unit 30. Evenwhen they exist, the number and order thereof can be arbitrarily set.

[0066] Ordinarily, each of the segments serving as the video data 42,audio data 43, and sub-picture data 44 shown in FIG. 1 are referred to apack P.

[0067] That is, in the VOB unit 30, the video data 42, audio data 43,and sub-picture data 44 are recorded as divided packs P. The pack P inwhich the video data 42 is recorded is referred to a video pack, pack Pin which the audio data 43 is recorded is referred to an audio pack, andpack P in which the sub-picture data 44 is recorded is referred to asub-picture pack.

[0068] Moreover, in a pack header recorded at the head of each pack P,information such as read-out start time information, a start codeindicative of the head of the pack P, and a transfer rate as data arerecorded. The read-out start time information is called an SCR (SystemClock Reference) indicative of read-out start time on the axis ofreproduction time. At the read-out start time, data included in the packP should be read out from a track buffer in an information reproducingapparatus for reproducing information recorded in the DVD 1 and shouldbe inputted to buffers. In the pack P, generally, the video data 42,audio data 43, or sub-picture data 44 is recorded every packet as arecording unit obtained by further dividing the pack P. In the DVD 1 inthe present embodiment, generally, each pack P comprises one packet.

[0069] Finally, the navigation pack 41 comprises: a pack header 53serving as the above-mentioned pack header corresponding to thenavigation pack 41; a system header 54 in which information indicativeof attributes of DSI data 51 and PCI data 50 subsequent to the systemheader is recorded; the DSI data 51 as retrieval information forretrieving a picture or speech desired to be displayed or reproduced,(specifically, an address on the DVD 1, in which the picture or speechdesired to be displayed or replayed is recorded); and the PCI data 50 asinformation related to playback/display control when the picture orspeech retrieved on the basis of the DSI data 51 is displayed orreplayed. At that time, the DSI data 51 and PCI data 50 are recorded soas to construct a DSI packet and a PCI packet as packets PT.

[0070] Furthermore, each video data 42, which is included in the VOBunit 30, comprises one or a plurality of GOPs.

[0071] The DSI data 51 and PCI data 50 will be described in detailbelow.

[0072] The PCI data 50 includes highlight information for defining thedisplay or operation of a selection item to be selected by the audienceat the time of selecting the item. On the basis of the highlightinformation, for example, a change in screen display for the itemselection, a display position to be changed in accordance with theselection, and a command (instruction indicating the operation to beexecuted in accordance with the selected item) for the selected item areset in an image (namely, a menu screen) showing items to be selected bythe audience.

[0073] In this case, image information for displaying a frame andselection buttons needed to form and display the menu screen is recordedas sub-picture data 44 serving as sub-picture information.

[0074] Moreover, the GOP is a minimum image unit, which can be replayedalone, determined in the standards of MPEG-2 system serving as an imagecompression system that is used when picture information is recorded inthe DVD 1 in the present embodiment. At the head of each GOP,playback/display time information called a PTS (Presentation Time Stamp)indicative of reproduction time on the axis of reproduction time, whenthe video data 42 included in the GOP should be displayed, is recorded.

[0075] In this instance, the outline of MPEG-2 system will now bedescribed. In many cases, in continuous frame images, generally, frameimages before and after one frame image are similar to each other andalso relate to each other. MPEG-2 system pays attention to the abovefact. According to the feature of the system, on the basis of aplurality of frame images transferred every several frames, the otherframe image existing between the plurality of frame images is formed byan interpolating operation based on a motion vector of an originalimage. In this case, when the other frame image is recorded, informationregarding the finite difference and motion vector between the pluralityof frames is merely recorded, so that the other frame image can bereproduced by referring to the information and predicting from theplurality of frame images. Consequently, images can be compressed andrecorded.

[0076] Furthermore, the outline of the GOP will now be described withreference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of frame imagesconstructing the GOP. FIG. 2 shows a case where the GOP 52 comprises 12frame images (in MPEG-2 system, the number of frame images included inthe GOP 52 is not fixed). Each frame image shown by a reference symbol“I” among them is called an I picture (Intra-coded picture). The Ipicture is the frame image which is independently reproducible as acomplete frame image. A frame image shown by a reference symbol “P” iscalled a P picture (Predictive-coded picture). The P picture is apredicted image formed by decoding a difference from the predicted imagecompensated and reproduced on the basis of the decoded I picture orother P picture. A frame image shown by a reference symbol “B” is calleda B picture (Bidirectionally predictive-coded picture). The B picturedenotes a predicted image reproduced by using not only the decoded Ipicture or P picture but also an I picture or a P picture recorded in anoptical disc, which are located in the future temporally. In FIG. 2,predictive relations (interpolating relations) between the pictures areshown by arrows.

[0077] In MPEG-2 system generally used in the DVD 1 according to thepresent embodiment, a variable rate system in which an amount of dataincluded in each GOP 52 is not fixed is used. In other words, eachpicture included in the GOP 52 corresponds to a high-speed moving image.When the correlation between the pictures is small, the amount of datato form each picture is large, so that the amount of data included inthe GOP 52 is also large. When each picture included in the GOP 52corresponds to a moving picture with a small motion and the correlationbetween the pictures is large, the amount of data to form each pictureis small, so that the amount of data included in the GOP 52 is alsosmall.

[0078] In the above-mentioned recording format with a hierarchicalstructure shown in FIG. 1, as to the segments, the producer freely setsthe segments according to their intention to record data. Variousreproductions can be realized by reproducing data by every segment onthe basis of a logical structure, which will be described below.

[0079] Subsequently, the physical data structure of each of the DSI data51 and PCI data 50 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. Thedata structure (specifically, address information and the data lengthfrom the head of the navigation pack 41 where data is recorded)described hereinbelow is specific to the navigation pack 41. This datastructure is not observed in the other packs P.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, the PCI data 50 comprises: generalinformation 55 as the main body of the PCI data 50; and otherinformation 56.

[0081] Furthermore, the general information 55 comprises: navigationpack relative position information 70 as relative recording addressinformation from the head of the VOB 10 of the navigation pack 41; VOBUreproduction start time information 71 indicative of reproduction starttime in the reproduction time axis of the VOB unit 30 where thenavigation pack 41 is included; VOBU reproduction end time information72 indicative of reproduction end time on the reproduction time axis ofthe VOB unit 30; an inhibition flag (referred to an APS (AnalogueProtection System) flag on the DVD video standards) 74 as a flagindicating whether recording information including the VOBU 30 isinhibited from being copied in an analog form (illegally); and otherinformation 73. At that time, when the inhibition flag denotes a valueother than “00b (b denotes a binary number)”, copying the recordinginformation is inhibited.

[0082] The inhibition flag 74 will now be described more specifically.When recording information conformable to the DVD video standards isoutputted as an analog signal to the outside, the inhibition flag 74 isprovided to inhibit the recording information as an analog signal, whichis recorded on a video tape after the output, from being normallyreproduced. When the inhibition flag 74 is set, it is standardized thatafter processing for inhibiting the normal reproduction, the recordinginformation as the analog signal is outputted to the outside.

[0083] The DSI data 51 comprises: general information 75 as the mainbody of the DSI data 51; VOB information 76 as information regarding theVOB 10 to which the navigation pack 41 belongs; VOBU search information77 indicative of a recording position of the VOB unit 30 on the DVD 1,which should be reproduced before and after the VOB unit 30 to which thenavigation pack 41 belongs; and other information 78.

[0084] The general information 75 comprises: navigation pack relativeposition information 85 similar to the navigation pack relative positioninformation 70; a VOBU identification number 86 to identify the VOB unit30 to which the navigation pack 41 belongs; and other information 87.

[0085] Furthermore, the VOB information 76 comprises: VOB reproductionstart time information 80 indicative of reproduction start time on thereproduction time axis of the VOB 10 to which the VOB unit 30 includingthe navigation pack 41 belongs; VOB reproduction end time information 81indicative of reproduction end time on the reproduction time axis of theVOB 10; and other information 82.

[0086] Furthermore, the VOBU search information 77 includes in a listshown in FIG. 3: position information indicative of recording positionson the DVD 1 of the preceding and next VOB units 30 of the present VOBunit 30 to which the navigation pack 41 belongs; and positioninformation indicative of recording positions on the DVD 1 of the otherVOB units 30 to be reproduced within 120 seconds before and after thestart time of the present VOB unit 30.

[0087] A logical format (logical structure) obtained by combininginformation recorded in the physical segments shown in FIG. 1 or 3 willnow be described with reference to FIG. 4. As for the logical structureshown in FIG. 4, information is not actually recorded in the DVD 1 inthe structure. Information (access information or time information) forcombining data (particularly, the cells 20) shown in FIG. 1 to reproducethe data in the logical structure shown in FIG. 4 is recorded in the DVD1, particularly, in the control data 11.

[0088] To clarify the description, the structure will now be describedin order from the lower hierarchy in FIG. 4. A plurality of cells 20 inthe physical structure described in FIG. 1 are selected and combined tologically form a program 60 on the basis of the producer's intention.The program 60 serves as a minimum logical unit which a systemcontroller in the information reproducing apparatus can identify thesegment and access it by a command. The producer can also define theprogram 60 as a minimum unit which the audience can freely select one ora plurality of programs as a set and then view and listen. The unit iscalled a PTT (Part of Title).

[0089] Since the program 60 is logically constructed by selecting theplurality of cells 20, a plurality of programs 60 uses one cell 20. Inother words, the producer can also reproduce the cell 20 in thedifferent programs 60, namely, reuse the cell 20.

[0090] As for the number of the cell 20, when the cell 20 is used in thephysical format shown in FIG. 1, the number is used as the cell IDnumber (in FIG. 1, shown as cell ID #). When the cell is used in thelogical format shown in FIG. 4, the number is used as the cell number indescription order in a PGCI, which will be explained below.

[0091] Subsequently, a plurality of programs 60 are combined tologically construct a PGC (Program Chain) 61 on the basis of theproducer's intention. The above-mentioned PGCI is defined on the basisof the PGC 61. The PGCI includes: reproduction order of the cell 20 foreach program 60 upon reproduction of the program 6C) (a specific programnumber is allocated to each program 60 in accordance with thereproduction order); addresses serving as recording positions of thecells 20 on the DVD 1; the number of the head cell 20 to be reproducedin the program 60; a method for reproducing the program 60 [wheninformation is recorded in the DVD 1 of the present embodiment, uponreproduction, the producer can select any one of reproducing methodssuch as normal reproduction, random reproduction (random reproductionusing random numbers; in some cases, the same program 60 is reproducedplural times), and shuffle reproduction (random reproduction usingrandom numbers similar to the random reproduction; the same program 60is reproduced only once and the same program 60 is not reproduced pluraltimes) for each PGC 61 to reproduce the program 60]; and variouscommands (the producer can designate for each PGC 61 or cell 20).

[0092] The recording position of the PGCI on the DVD 1 is located in thecontrol data 11 (refer to FIG. 1) as mentioned above. When the PGCI is aPGCI related to the menu in the video manager 2, the recording positionof the PGCI exists in the control data (omitted in the diagram) includedin the video manager 2.

[0093] In addition to the PGCI, the PGC 61 includes data such assubstantive pictures and speech as a combination of the programs 60 (inother words, as a combination of the cells 20).

[0094] Furthermore, in the PGC 61, the reuse of the cell 20 mentioned inthe description regarding the program 60 can also be realized (namely,the same cell 20 is used in the different PGC's 61). As for the cell 20to be used, in addition to a method for reproducing the cells 20 instoring order in the DVD 1 (reproduction of continuously arrangedcells), the producer can select a method for reproducing the cells 20irrespective of the storing order in the DVD 1 (for example, the cell 20recorded later is previously reproduced) (reproduction ofdiscontinuously arranged cells).

[0095] Subsequently, one or a plurality of PGC 61 logically constructone title 62. For example, the title 62 is a unit corresponding to onemovie and indicates complete information which the producer wants topresent to the audience for the DVD 1.

[0096] One or a plurality of titles 62 logically construct one VTSs 63.The titles 62 included in the VTS 63 have attributes common to therespective titles. For example, movies with different languages of thesame movie correspond to the titles 62. Information corresponding to aVTS 63 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to information included in the VTS 3shown in FIG. 1. That is, all information logically included in the VTS63 shown in FIG. 4 is recorded as one VTS 3 on the DVD 1.

[0097] On the basis of the above-mentioned logical format, the producerdesignates information separated in the physical structure to form thetitle (movie) which the audience should view.

[0098] (II) Embodiment of Information Recording Apparatus

[0099] Subsequently, the configuration and operation of the informationrecording apparatus according to the present embodiment, to which arecording signal corresponding to recording information based on theabove-mentioned DVD video standards may be inputted, will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0100]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration ofthe information recording apparatus. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing arecording processing according to the embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 5, an information recording apparatus RSaccording to the embodiment is a data recorder which is connected to orbuilt in a personal computer PC and which can record recordinginformation in an optical disc R as a recording medium such as arecordable DVD and can reproduce the recording information from theoptical disc R. Specifically, the apparatus comprises: a spindle motor90; a pickup 91; a driver 92; an encoder 93; an RAM (Random AccessMemory) 94; a memory managing unit 95; an interface 96; a decoder 97; anavigation pack detecting unit 98 as first detecting device; a flagdetecting unit 99 as second detecting device; and a CPU 100 asinhibiting device.

[0102] The encoder 93 comprises: an EFM (Eight to Fourteen Modulation)encoding unit 93 a; and an ECC (Error Correcting Code) adding unit 93 b.

[0103] The operation will now be described.

[0104] First, the operation in a case where information which hasalready been recorded in the optical disc R is reproduced will now bedescribed.

[0105] When information is reproduced, the spindle motor 90 is firstrotated by a spindle servo mechanism (not shown) which operates throughthe control of the CPU 100 and also rotates the optical disc R mountedand fixed to the rotation axis of the motor at a predeterminedrotational speed.

[0106] On the other hand, the pickup 91 irradiates a light beam B forreproduction with a predetermined fixed intensity to the rotatingoptical disc R, receives reflected light to form a detection signalS_(p) corresponding to the recorded information, and outputs the signalto the decoder 97.

[0107] Consequently, the decoder 97 performs a predetermined decodingprocessing to the detection signal S_(p) to form a reproduction signalS_(dc) corresponding to the recorded information and then outputs thesignal to the memory managing unit 95.

[0108] The memory managing unit 95 temporarily holds the reproductionsignal S_(dc) as a memory signal S_(m) in the RAM 94 and also outputsthe signal as a memory output signal S_(mo) to the interface 96 atpredetermined timing.

[0109] After that, the interface 96 performs a predetermined outputinterface processing to the memory output signal S_(mo) and thengenerates the signal as an output signal S_(out) to the personalcomputer PC.

[0110] Accordingly, the personal computer PC performs a necessaryinformation processing with information included in the output signalS_(out), which is recorded in the optical disc R.

[0111] Subsequently, the operation in a case where recording informationto be inputted as an input signal Sin from the personal computer PC isrecorded in the optical disc R will now be described.

[0112] When the information is recorded, the spindle motor 90 rotatesthe optical disc R mounted on and fixed to the rotation axis of themotor at the predetermined rotational speed in the same way as thereproduction of information.

[0113] On the other hand, the interface 96 performs a predeterminedinput interface processing to the input signal S_(in) outputted from thepersonal computer PC and then outputs the signal as a processed inputsignal S_(mi) to the memory managing unit 95, navigation pack detectingunit 98, and flag detecting unit 99.

[0114] In this instance, when the recording information to be inputtedas an input signal S_(in) is conformable to the above-mentioned DVDvideo standards (namely, the recording information is protected bycopyright and illegally copying the information is prohibited), thenavigation packs 41 are included in the processed input signal S_(mi) atthe above-mentioned regular intervals and the inhibition flag 74 isincluded in the PCI data 50 of each navigation pack 41.

[0115] Subsequently, the memory managing unit 95 allows the RAM 94 totemporarily store the processed input signal S_(mi) as the memory signalS_(m), reads out the signal, and then outputs the signal as a memoryoutput signal S_(moo) to the ECC adding unit 93 b in the encoder 93.

[0116] The ECC adding unit 93 b adds an error correction code, which isused for error correction when the recording information is reproducedafter recording in the optical disc R, to the memory output signalS_(moo), forms a code-added signal S_(ec) and then outputs the signal tothe EFM encoding unit 93 a in the same encoder 93.

[0117] Consequently, the EFM encoding unit 93 a performs a predeterminedencoding processing (specifically, for example, an EFM encodingprocessing) to the code-added signal S_(ec), forms an encoding signalS_(e) and then outputs the signal to the driver 92. In this instance,when a recording inhibition signal S_(c), which will be described below,is generated from the CPU 100, the EFM encoding unit 93 a stops thegenerating of the encoding signal S_(e) and interrupts the subsequentrecording processing.

[0118] The driver 92 performs an amplifying processing and a waveformshaping processing to the encoding signal S_(e), forms a driving signalS_(d) to drive a semiconductor laser (not shown) in the pickup 91 andthen outputs the signal to the semiconductor laser.

[0119] Consequently, the semiconductor laser (not shown) generates thelight beam B for recording, whose intensity is controlled on the basisof the driving signal S_(d) and irradiates the beam to a track (notshown) (track in which the recording information supplied from thepersonal computer PC should be recorded) on the optical disc R, therebyrecords the recording information in the optical disc R.

[0120] Simultaneously with the above processing, the navigation packdetecting unit 98 detects whether the processed input signal S_(mi)includes the navigation pack 41 (namely, whether the recordinginformation from the personal computer PC is conformable to the DVDvideo standards), generates a detection signal S_(nv) indicative of thedetection result, and then outputs the signal to the CPU 100.

[0121] At that time, specifically, the method for detecting thenavigation pack 41 is as follows. Since the navigation pack 41 isconstructed so as to have the specific data structure as mentionedabove, whether the data structure peculiar to the navigation pack 41exists in the inputted processed input signal S_(mi) (namely, whetherthe combination of the address information in the detected pack P andthe data length of data recorded therein is similar to the combinationpeculiar to the navigation pack 41) is determined to detect the presenceor absence of the navigation pack 41 in the processed input signalS_(mi).

[0122] On the other hand, the flag detecting unit 99 detects the contentof the inhibition flag 74 in the case where the processed input signalS_(mi) includes the navigation pack 41, generates a detection signalS_(fg) indicating the content thereof, and then outputs the signal tothe CPU 100.

[0123] Consequently, on receiving the detection signal S_(nv) indicatingthe detection of the navigation pack 41 in the processed input signalS_(mi) and receiving the detection signal S_(fg) indicating that thecontent of the inhibition flag 74 denotes a value other than “00b”, theCPU 100 generates the recording inhibition signal S_(c) to stop theabove series of recording processings and then outputs the signal to theEFM encoding unit 93 a.

[0124] In addition to the above-mentioned recording inhibition controlprocessing according to the embodiment, the CPU 100 performs aprocessing for controlling the operation of the whole informationrecording apparatus RS, the processing including a focus servo controlprocessing for servo-controlling the irradiating position of the lightbeam B and a tracking servo control processing.

[0125] Subsequently, the whole flow of the recording processingaccording to the embodiment, which is mainly executed in the CPU 100,will now be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 6, in the recording processing according to theembodiment, whether the input of the input signal S_(in) is started isfirst determined (step S1). When it is not started (NO in step S1), theCPU 100 waits as it is. On the other hand, when the input is started(YES in step S1), the encoder 93 is operated so as to start to recordthe recording information included in the input signal S_(in) in theoptical disc R (step S2).

[0127] Subsequently, whether the navigation pack detecting unit 98detects the presence of the navigation pack 41 in the processed inputsignal S_(mi) is confirmed (step S3). When the presence is confirmed(YES in step S3), the flag detecting unit 99 determines whether theinhibition flag 74 having a value other than “00b” is detected (stepS4).

[0128] When the inhibition flag 74 having the value other than “00b” isdetected (YES in step S4), provided that the recording information inthe supplied input signal S_(in) is conformable to the DVD videostandards and copying is inhibited, the foregoing recording inhibitionsignal SC is generated to inhibit the subsequent recording processing tothe optical disc R (step S5) and the processing is then finished.

[0129] On the other hand, when the navigation pack 41 is not detected(NO in step S3) in the determination in step S3, alternatively, when theinhibition flag 74 having the value other than “00b” is not detected instep S4 (NO in step S4), provided that copying the recording informationin the supplied input signal S_(in) is not inhibited, the recording iscontinued so that the apparatus functions as a normal data recorder(step S6). Furthermore, to continue monitoring the copying protection,the processing routine returns to step S3.

[0130] As described above, in the operation of the information recordingapparatus RS according to the embodiment, when inputted recordinginformation is conformable to the DVD video standards and includes theinhibition flag 74, recording the recording information into the opticaldisc R is inhibited. Consequently, the apparatus can prevent recordinginformation conformable to the DVD video standards, which is recorded inthe available DVD 1 that is not intended for home use, from beingillegally copied with a simple and low-cost configuration.

[0131] Since whether the recording information conforms to the DVD videostandards is determined on the basis of whether the navigation pack 41conformable to the DVD video standards is detected, the attributes ofthe recording information can be simply and securely detected.

[0132] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration, in whichwhen the inputted recording information conformed to the DVD videostandards recording was inhibited, has been described. In addition, in acase where recording the information is inhibited when recordinginformation conformable to DVD audio standards is inputted (the DVDaudio standards is similar to the DVD video standards and serves asstandards for available DVDs only for playback), the present inventioncan also be applied to the case.

[0133] In this case, specifically, the presence or absence of an audiopack included in recording information conformable to the DVD audiostandards and the content of illegal copy inhibition information in theDVD audio standards, the information corresponding to the inhibitionflag 74, are detected, so that a recording processing is controlled soas to be inhibited (interrupted) in the same way as the embodiment.

[0134] Furthermore, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown inFIG. 6 is stored to an information recording medium such as a flexibledisk or a hard disk. The program is read out and is then executed in ageneral personal computer. Consequently, it is possible to allow thepersonal computer to function as the CPU 100.

[0135] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.2000-303625 filed on Oct. 3, 2000 including the specification, claims,drawings and summary is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information recording apparatus comprising: afirst detecting device for detecting whether a recording signal to beinputted from the outside is a recording signal conformable to DVD videostandards only for playback; a second detecting device for detectingwhether the recording signal includes an inhibition flag indicating thatthe recording signal is inhibited from being recorded as an analogsignal; and an inhibiting device for, when it is detected that therecording signal conforms to the DVD video standards and it is detectedthat the recording signal includes the inhibition flag, inhibiting therecording signal from being recorded in another recording medium.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the recording signalincludes a navigation pack conformable to the DVD video standards, thefirst detecting device detects that the recording signal conforms to theDVD video standards.
 3. An information recording apparatus comprising: afirst detecting device for detecting whether a recording signal to beinputted from the outside is a recording signal conformable to DVD audiostandards only for playback; a second detecting device for detectingwhether the recording signal includes inhibition information indicatingthat the recording signal is inhibited from being copied; and aninhibiting device for, when it is detected that the recording signalconforms to the DVD audio standards and it is detected that therecording signal includes the inhibition information, inhibiting therecording signal from being recorded in another recording medium.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the recording signalincludes an audio pack conformable to the DVD audio standards, the firstdetecting device detects that the recording signal conforms to the DVDaudio standards.
 5. An information recording method comprising: a firstdetecting process of detecting whether a recording signal to be inputtedfrom the outside is a recording signal conformable to DVD videostandards only for playback; a second detecting process of detectingwhether the recording signal includes an inhibition flag indicating thatthe recording signal is inhibited from being recorded as an analogsignal; and an inhibiting process of, when it is detected that therecording signal conforms to the DVD video standards and it is detectedthat the recording signal includes the inhibition flag, inhibiting therecording signal from being recorded in another recording medium.
 6. Themethod according to claim 5, wherein in the first detecting process,when the recording signal includes a navigation pack conformable to theDVD video standards, it is detected that the recording signal conformsto the DVD video standards.
 7. An information recording methodcomprising: a first detecting process of detecting whether a recordingsignal to be inputted from the outside is a recording signal conformableto DVD audio standards only for playback; a second detecting process ofdetecting whether the recording signal includes inhibition informationindicating that the recording signal is inhibited from being copied; andan inhibiting process of, when it is detected that the recording signalconforms to the DVD audio standards and it is detected that therecording signal includes the inhibition information, inhibiting therecording signal from being recorded in another recording medium.
 8. Themethod according to claim 7, wherein in the first detecting process,when the recording signal includes an audio pack conformable to the DVDaudio standards, it is detected that the recording signal conforms tothe DVD audio standards.
 9. An information recording medium in which arecording control program is recorded so as to be readable through acomputer which is included in an information recording apparatus forrecording a recording signal to be inputted from the outside in anotherrecording medium, the recording control program being characterized byallowing the computer to function as: a first detecting device fordetecting whether the recording signal is a recording signal conformableto DVD video standards only for playback; a second detecting device fordetecting whether the recording signal includes an inhibition flagindicating that the recording signal is inhibited from being recorded asan analog signal; and an inhibiting device for, when it is detected thatthe recording signal conforms to the DVD video standards and it isdetected that the recording signal includes the inhibition flag,inhibiting the recording signal from being recorded in the recordingmedium.
 10. The medium according to claim 9, wherein when the recordingsignal includes a navigation pack conformable to the DVD videostandards, the recording control program allows the computer functioningas the first detecting device to function so as to detect that therecording signal conforms to the DVD video standards.
 11. An informationrecording medium in which a recording control program is recorded so asto be readable through a computer which is included in an informationrecording apparatus for recording a recording signal to be inputted fromthe outside in another recording medium, the recording control programbeing characterized by allowing the computer to function as: a firstdetecting device for detecting whether the recording signal is arecording signal conformable to DVD audio standards only for playback; asecond detecting device for detecting whether the recording signalincludes inhibition information indicating that the recording signal isinhibited from being copied; and an inhibiting device for, when it isdetected that the recording signal conforms to the DVD audio standardsand it is detected that the recording signal includes the inhibitioninformation, inhibiting the recording signal from being recorded in therecording medium.
 12. The medium according to claim 11, wherein when therecording signal includes an audio pack conformable to the DVD audiostandards, the recording control program allows the computer functioningas the first detecting device to function so as to detect that therecording signal conforms to the DVD audio standards.